The next step for third-ranked Brighton (22-6-1) is a state semifinal clash with fourth-ranked Northville at 5 p.m. Friday at USA Hockey Arena in Plymouth. Northville beat Brighton, 3-2, on Feb. 10.

"Obviously, it's something we've worked toward all season," Jake Crespi said. "We're playing Northville again. They got us earlier in the season. We were down a couple guys, though. Hopefully, with the return of those guys, we can get them back and get some energy going for that Saturday game."

Brighton goalie Logan Neaton thwarted Lowell's best chance to gain some early confidence, stopping a short breakaway by Alex Osborn in the first five minutes of the game.

It was all Bulldogs from there, as Gehres scored at 9:24 and 13:47 to make it 2-0 and Crespi scored his 29th goal at 14:08 to make it 3-0 after one period.